Hardware Repair - The World of CD-i Forum https://www.theworldofcdi.com/community/hardware-repair/ The World of CD-i Discussion Board en-GB Sun, 05 Apr 2026 11:10:01 +0000 wpForo 60 CD-i 210/40 timekeeper replacement issues https://www.theworldofcdi.com/community/hardware-repair/cd-i-210-40-timekeeper-replacement-issues/ Thu, 14 Apr 2022 00:46:14 +0000 Hardware Repair m0rShh https://www.theworldofcdi.com/community/hardware-repair/cd-i-210-40-timekeeper-replacement-issues/ How difficult is it to replace CDI 210/40 timekeeper chip? https://www.theworldofcdi.com/community/hardware-repair/how-difficult-is-it-to-replace-cdi-210-40-timekeeper-chip/ Fri, 01 Apr 2022 07:12:43 +0000 Hardware Repair m0rShh https://www.theworldofcdi.com/community/hardware-repair/how-difficult-is-it-to-replace-cdi-210-40-timekeeper-chip/ Roller controller 22er9012 https://www.theworldofcdi.com/community/hardware-repair/roller-controller-22er9012/ Tue, 22 Feb 2022 17:18:10 +0000 Hardware Repair Olivier https://www.theworldofcdi.com/community/hardware-repair/roller-controller-22er9012/ Manna Space GDI-1000 (Goldstar CD-i 450) - laser assembly constantly clicks and disc won't spin/read? https://www.theworldofcdi.com/community/hardware-repair/manna-space-gdi-1000-goldstar-cd-i-450-laser-assembly-constantly-clicks-and-disc-wont-spin-read/ Mon, 24 May 2021 15:17:48 +0000 Hardware Repair DeChief https://www.theworldofcdi.com/community/hardware-repair/manna-space-gdi-1000-goldstar-cd-i-450-laser-assembly-constantly-clicks-and-disc-wont-spin-read/ CD-i 220/60 - Weird timekeeper chip? https://www.theworldofcdi.com/community/hardware-repair/cd-i-220-60-weird-timekeeper-chip/ Wed, 30 Dec 2020 21:35:04 +0000 Hardware Repair TwBurn https://www.theworldofcdi.com/community/hardware-repair/cd-i-220-60-weird-timekeeper-chip/ Which version of my cdi 210 ? https://www.theworldofcdi.com/community/hardware-repair/which-version-of-my-cdi-210/ Mon, 30 Nov 2020 21:51:06 +0000 Hardware Repair uraxyd https://www.theworldofcdi.com/community/hardware-repair/which-version-of-my-cdi-210/ CDM Repair & Substituition https://www.theworldofcdi.com/community/hardware-repair/cdm-repair-substituition/ Sat, 31 Oct 2020 13:38:55 +0000 More and more people are having issues with there CD-i player, especially with non disc recognition... I found and helped (with other people trying to help) many of you on Facebook groups, Twitter, e-mail and other social media places. I tried in this article to help you with the more information as possible and with the different ways of solving it. Together we will solve your issues, one thing you have to keep in mind, like I always use to say, "NEVER LET A CD-i DIE!". Let's start guys! Let's take a look at the player's CDM. What is a CDM? Let be the most simplest as possible. The CDM is the CD loading mechanism system. So, we are not talking about the tray that bring the CD in and out from the player (only for players with this system), no. We are talking about part that include the lens and the motor to rotate the disc. Philips developed many CDM versions, you can define if it is old or recent by checking the number version. The diferent versions are CDM 0, CDM 1, CDM 2, CDM 3, CDM4, CDM 1 mkII, CDM 9 and CDM 12. Inside each category you will find a lot of variants. You can define a variant looking at the number placed after the version, for example: CDM 4.18, CDM 4.19, etc... Which are the CDM used for the CD-i players? Philips used the most recent CDM version when the CD-i players was produced, and sometimes, due to compatibility, space or low-cost, they used older versions for newer models. You will mainly find 3 CDM versions. CDM 9, CDM 12.1 and CDM 12.4. How do I define the CDM I need? To define which CDM you need to buy, look at one of the sides of your player's CDM, you will find a little sticker with many information like the one on the following picture. If you don't have access to the sticker or you are afraid of removing the piece, look at this following list (also available at ICDIA). Search your CD-i model player to define the CDM version. Remember, the 2 numbers after the model are very important to avoid getting the wrong CDM. For example, if you own a 210 player, verify the following numbers 210/20 or 210/40. Consumer Player Model and CDM version: 205/00 > 9 210/00 > 9 210/20 > 9 210/40 > 12.4 210/60 > 12.1 220/00 > 9 220/20 > 9 220/40 > 9 220/60 > 12.4 220/80 > 12.1 450/00 > 12.1 470/00 > 12.1 470/20 > 12.1 490/00 > 12.1 550/00 > 12.1 740/00 > 12.1 FW3801/20 > 12.4 Professional Player Model and CDM version: 601/00 > 9 602/00 > 9 604/00 > 9 605/00 > 9 605T/20 > 9 615/00 > 12.1 660/00 > 12.1 670/00 > 12.1 If you own others models with a different number termination, you will have to check directly on your CDM sticker to define the version. We really appreciate if you can tell us your models and versions if not listed here to get it as the most complete as possible to help others. IMPORTANT NOTE There is a very high possibility of the problem not being the CDM, but with the CDM only... Let me explain, most of the common problems are just the CD Turntable (where the CD is placed) stuck for any reason. It can be due to bad shipping accommodation after buying a player on the web or pressing to much the CD on a 450 model or even other reasons. Usually people aim to a CDM substitution when the CD do not spin. I wrote another article about this subject, take a look. I had to change a few CDM, but the main reason in all of them are the flat cable damaged. I never got a dead motor. Having a problem with your CDM may the following issues appears: 1) ERROR or ERR on the digital display. 2) No spinning CD (only the lens are searching for the CD). NOTE: Even if you use your fingers to rotate the CD Turntable, it will turn, but the motor do not have enough power to make it rotate. The most regular problem is the #2. To unstuck the Turntable, use a thin metallic piece (kitchen knife for example) and slowly, all around the CD Turntable equally, create a a space about 1mm (millimetre) between the CDM and the CD Turntable, like in the picture. Motors The CDM have 2 motors, 1 for the lens position for the reading and 1 for disc rotation (spinning). Even if you don't see the disc spinning, but you see the lens going forward and backward with the lens moving up and down, then, this motor is working fine. The 2nd one will work with a very low voltage, depending on the CDM version, between 5 to 8 Volts. you can measure it in Ohms to check if any wire from the winding isn't broken. It is not something that happens often. Lens calibration If the CD is still not, there is still another thing you can try, the lens calibration. This is not something that happen many times, no, but it can happen. Using a small screwdriver, rotate very slowly to the left or right until the CD start spinning. This potentiometer (regulator) is placed in the other side of the CDM so you will have to remove the CDM regulate it with wires connected, player on. NOTE: The CDM is already calibrated, even the new ones you will buy. There is no need to calibrate the new ones, I even recommend not to do that to avoid permanent damage to the lens or to the player. An oscilloscope in needed to verify the curves to get a perfect focus, this part is just the professionals. Documentation Philips CDM 12.1 Service Manual (From Vintages Hi-Fi) Still not spinning? If it is still not spinning, then, Google it and find one. I recommend to avoid the ones made in China to get a better product, but if you can't, the most important is to get a working CD-i player. CONCLUSION: The 1st thing to do it to unstuck the turntable (CD older) like showed above. This is the most common issue. After than check the wires and the flat-cable. Usually, after that to avoid losing time, buy a new one after your CDM being well identified. NOTE: Other websites have tutorials to help you. I don't trust people who just write solution when they never tried it themselves, they want to help, but some of them is only in the search of being recognized by others. They are amateurs who never confirmed what they wrote and the consequence of it on a CD-i player and accessories can be catastrophic. Ask always to people who really do repair CD-i, and in this case, beside The World of CD-i, I highly recommend you to take a look at RetroStuff, run by Rosewood. Good luck and feel free to contact us if you need help! Written by omegalfa, © 30/10/2020]]> Hardware Repair omegalfa https://www.theworldofcdi.com/community/hardware-repair/cdm-repair-substituition/ CD-i 450 Optical Drive & Timekeeper Repair https://www.theworldofcdi.com/community/hardware-repair/cd-i-450-optical-drive-timekeeper-repair/ Sat, 04 Jul 2020 01:38:30 +0000 The World of CD-i Chronicle #22 I bought a CD-i 450 player in February (when the World was still "normal") as 2nd hand. The player wasn't reading any discs and the Timekeeper was dead. Here we are going to solve all those  problems, together! If you still don't know the reason why you should change your CD-i player's Timekeeper, please read this article.
You can get a new Timekeeper over the internet (ebay, Amazon) or contacting Darius on our Community Forum. You can use one of those Timekeepers: MK48T08B15, M48T08, M48T18 or DS1643 The one used in this tutorial is DS1643.
When you buy a CD-i 450 or 550, and the disc isn't read from the player, the 1st thing you should do at home to verify if it spins. As the CD isn't into a gate like other models, here is what to do to check it. 1- Turn your CD-i player on, place a CD-i disc (or even an audio CD), keep the CD cover opened. 2- Using a thin screwdriver or a toothpick, press the sensor like the picture shows. This sensor, once pressed, simulate the cover closed. 3- If the everything is OK, then, the CD will start spinning. Usually, when a player isn't reading any discs the problem is the CD holder from the optical drive that is stuck. Using a knife of a screw driver is enough to unstuck it. In this case it is different because the CD holder was completely free. To verify, just use your hands to turn it and check if you feel any difficulty to turn it. If nothing happens (no disc spinning), then let's follow this tutorial. To solve all those issues (Disc not spinning and Timekeeper) , we have of course to open the player. The CD-i 450 is by far, the easier player to open. As it is a low cost version, Philips made it as simplest as possible. 1- Open the CD drive (right side). 2- Using your fingers, press the 2 plastic locks from the left cover. 3- You can now see the Digital Video Cartridge (DVC) socket. If you CD-i 450 doesn't have any DVC installed, you don't need to do point 4. 4- Using a screwdriver, place it on the orifice of the DVC just like the picture shows, and make a movement from top to bottom. This way, you will unplug the DVC from the socket. 5- Use a Torx T6 to unscrew the 4 screws placed as the picture shows. 6- Remove manually the plate (this one was in bad condition due to humidity). There is no screw to remove. 7- You now have access to the main board of the player. Let's identify where are the things we want to repair. Let's start with the optical drive. 8- Very gently, push up the optical drive, no screws. 9- Unplug the power and the flat cable. Remember, do not push to high, otherwise the flat cable can brake. Usually, when a player isn't reading any discs the problem is the CD holder from the optical drive that is stuck. Using a knife of a screw driver is enough to unstuck it. In this case it is different because the CD holder was completely free. To verify, just use your hands to turn it and check if you feel any difficulty to turn it. The problem here was a broken flat cable from the optical drive, as you can see in the picture. We need to replace this optical drive to a new one. You can easily find new ones, there is many prices available. NOTE: I would not buy the cheapest ones, as the disc reading can be more or less bad. If you use to copy ISO's, the lowest quality optical drive you choose, the more error reading them you can get. Just Google CDM 12.1 and you will find many compatible ones! I purchased this one: 10- Once you have your new optical drive, remove the plastic Silent Blocks that are fixed on the black base. They are 4 of them. Do it gently to avoid braking them. 11- Place them again, but this time on the new optical drive. The new optical drive may not have the black protection available on the old one. No worries, it is not important for it to work, it is more for visual and dust protection. I personally prefer have it placed, so I removed the one from the old and pasted it on the new one, like on the picture. Now let's change the Timekeeper. To do that, you will need to use a solder iron at the maximum power of 30W (more than 30W may damage your board with to much heat), and a 0.5 mm solder. 12- Remove the main board from the bottom of the player. and turn it to the back side. NOTE: Take care to the power button! Remember to remove the grey plastic piece, otherwise, it can brake. The Timekeeper is placed on the bottom left side, so once turned to the back side, the contacts to be unsoldered  are on the bottom right side. 14 pins on each sides (28 pins in total). 13- Unsold the timekeeper and remove him. Remember to verify the correct side of the chip. If you wrongly place it it will change polarity of the battery and may damage the chip permanently). NOTE: The 450/550 models do not supports the socket holder. The reason is because of the metallic plate that is right upon the timekeeper, there is no space for the timekeeper + the socket. But I have decided to place the socket anyway and find a solution for the space. Check the pictures. If you don't feel comfortable doing such a cut, then, just place the new timekeeper without socket. The bottom plate was also in bad shape, I cleaned with electrical cleaner spray (CRC 2-26). 14- Now place all the pieces back to place. 15- Connect the power cable and flat cable from the optical drive. Be careful to not push to much, otherwise the flat cable can break. 16- Place the upper plate to place. 17- Try your CD-i player with a disc inserted and see if "Play CD-i" appears. 18- Save some settings. 19- Turn your player off, disconnect from the plug for some minutes and then plug on again and turn it on. 20- Verify if the settings are now kept. Congratulations you have repaired your CD-i player! Find the complete chronicle at The World of CD-I website under “Console Purist Chronicles”! See you next week for another The World of CD-i Chronicle! Find all the Chronicles at www.theworldofcdi.com Contact: omegalfa@theworldofcdi.com Twitter: @omegalfapt Facebook Group: FB Support Group #theworldofcdi Written by omegalfa, © 03/07/2020]]> Hardware Repair omegalfa https://www.theworldofcdi.com/community/hardware-repair/cd-i-450-optical-drive-timekeeper-repair/ New CD-i Technical Documentation on ICDIA https://www.theworldofcdi.com/community/hardware-repair/new-cd-i-technical-documentation-on-icdia/ Thu, 14 May 2020 23:59:57 +0000 CD-i Technical Documentation has been added to the ICDIA website (www.icdia.co.uk) with technical documentation for various professional and authoring player models. • CD-I Instruction Manual Philips Interactive Media Systems - September, 1988 This instruction manual describes an early CD-I sample production system, the predecessor of what would later become the CDI 180/181/182 authoring player. The document contains chapters on the system as a whole, its three comprising units CD-I player, multi media controller and expansion module, as well as the mouse, graphic control and memory card peripherals. Specifications of communication ports, input devices and extensions are included. • Technical Documentation for CDI 605 Users Philips Interactive Media Systems - June 22, 1992 This is the technical documentation for the 6XX series of CD-I professional players from Philips. This documentation is especially made for CD-I 605 users to be able to support business development. Information about the startup of the system, such as the Configuration Status Descriptor and the SYSGO process, are available here. Specifications of communication ports, input devices and extensions are also added. • Technical Documentation for CDI 605T Users, System Software Release 1.3 Philips Interactive Media Systems - October 18, 1993 This is the technical documentation for the 605T series of CD-i professional players from Philips. This documentation is especially made to be able to support business development. Information about the startup of the system, such as the Configuration Status Descriptor and the SYSGO process, are available here. Specifications of communication ports, input devices and extensions are also added. • CDI 615 Technical documentation Philips Interactive Media Systems - 1996 This is the technical documentation for the CDI 615, one of the professional CD-i players from Philips. This documentation is especially made to be able to support business development. Information about the startup of the system, communication ports, input devices and extensions are available here.]]> Hardware Repair CD-i Fan https://www.theworldofcdi.com/community/hardware-repair/new-cd-i-technical-documentation-on-icdia/ CD-i 470/40 Timekeeper Substituition https://www.theworldofcdi.com/community/hardware-repair/cd-i-470-40-timekeeper-substituition/ Thu, 14 May 2020 21:18:30 +0000 If you still don't know the reason why you should change your CD-i player's Timekeeper, please read this article.
You can get a new Timekeeper over the internet (ebay, Amazon) or contacting Darius on our Community Forum. You can use one of those Timekeepers: MK48T08B15, M48T08, M48T18 or DS1643 The one used in this tutorial is DS1643.
This CD-i 470/20 is from Thorsbabelis, a member of our website who asked me to repair his player. Thank you for the trust you placed on me to touch, open and fix your beautiful player! Beside the Timekeeper, the door was also making noise and didn't close completely, needing the help of our hand to completely close it. Let's fix those issues! - You first need to open your player. - Remove the cover to get access to the inside of it. - Take a look at the inside of your player and try to identify the components. - Remove the CD older. - Remove the player's front panel. - Remove the Digital Video Cartridge (DVC) by removing the metalic locker. - Remove black plastic DVC socket. - Disconnect the cables (take some pictures to avoid wrong connections). - Remove the screws. - Remove the main board. - Identify the Timekeeper. - Look at the back of the main board and identify the connection points. - You will find 14 connections for each side, so 28 pins to unsold. - Unsold and remove the timekeeper. - Remember the position of the chip! - Each chip are marked to avoid wrong side placement. It won't work if you place the new one in the opposite position, and you also may kill the new Timekeeper after powers on the player. - Place the socket for the new Timekeeper.   Just follow where the track is going to and sold a wire from the pin to one connection point of the track. Look at the following picture. - Place the new Timekeeper on the socket. - Place the main board to its location, screw and connect it. Before you place the CD tray, we will solve the not closing door. - Remove the old belt and place a new one. I didn't had any reference on it, just used a belt spare. I will post later the exact dimension and if possible reference of the belt later. Now, let's solve the noise we listen when opening and closing. - I used an electrical spray called CRC-252, using a straw to only place it on the spiral moved by the motor. You also can use any fat solution, it will remove any noise of friction. - Now place all the pieces and close your player. - Try your CD-i player and save some settings. - Turn your player off, disconnect from the plug for some minutes and then plug on again and turn it on. - Verify if the settings are now kept. Congratulations you have repaired your CD-i player! Find the complete chronicle at The World of CD-I website under “Console Purist Chronicles”! Written by omegalfa, © 15/05/2020]]> Hardware Repair omegalfa https://www.theworldofcdi.com/community/hardware-repair/cd-i-470-40-timekeeper-substituition/